Critical Investigation

Critical Investigation (AO1 16 marks and AO4 32 marks) 48 marks

	Level Descriptor
Level 4 (37-48 marks)	A fluent and analytical investigation which explores the chosen topic from a clear, autonomous and critical perspective, making use of extensive and wide-ranging research which has clearly been employed in the investigation and detailed in the bibliography, making use of a wide range of academic, media and contextual sources. The investigation demonstrates sophisticated research and engagement with the primary text(s) and a range of secondary texts. It is well presented with a very detailed bibliography/source list (AO4). The investigation demonstrates sophisticated knowledge and understanding of media concepts, contexts and critical debates relevant to the chosen area of investigation. The work contextualises the study and the linked production piece effectively within the contemporary media landscape (AO1). At the top of this level candidates demonstrate very good understanding of the chosen area of investigation, very good, independent research skills and very good application of media concepts, contexts and critical debates. The link between the investigation and the production is cogent, clear and evident.
Level 3 25-36 marks	A proficient investigation, exploring the chosen topic and demonstrating autonomous research and exploration. The work is appropriately presented with a functional bibliography/source list. Significant research has clearly been undertaken, employed in the investigation and detailed in the bibliography, making use of a range of academic, media and contextual sources. The investigation demonstrates significant research and engagement with the primary text(s) and a range of secondary texts (AO4). The investigation demonstrates knowledge and understanding of media concepts, contexts and critical debates relevant to the chosen area of investigation. The work contextualises the study and the linked production piece within the contemporary media landscape (AO1). At the top of this level candidates demonstrate good synoptic understanding of the chosen area of investigation and good research skills, as well as appropriate application of media concepts, contexts and critical debates. The link between the investigation and the production is evident.
Level 2 (13-24 marks)	A proficient investigation, exploring the chosen topic and demonstrating some evidence of autonomous research and exploration. The research has been used to an extent in the investigation and recorded in the bibliography, making use of some academic, media and contextual sources. The investigation demonstrates research and engagement with the primary text(s) and secondary texts. The work is reasonably well presented with a basic bibliography/ source list (AO4). The investigation demonstrates some knowledge and understanding of media concepts, contexts and critical debates relevant to the chosen area of investigation. The work contextualises the study and the linked production piece within the contemporary media landscape to some extent (AO1). At the top of this level candidates demonstrate secure synoptic understanding of the chosen area of investigation and sound research skills, as well as some application of media concepts, contexts and critical debates. The link between the investigation and the production is appropriate.
Level 1 (1-12 marks)	A partially successful investigation with limited evidence of autonomous research and exploration. A bibliography/source list is present in some form, although possibly not complete. Some research has been undertaken and used in the investigation to some degree. The investigation demonstrates limited engagement with the primary text(s) and, at the top of this level, some engagement with secondary text(s) (AO4). The investigation demonstrates limited knowledge and understanding of media concepts, contexts or critical debates relevant to the chosen area of investigation. The work attempts to contextualise the study and the linked production piece within the contemporary media landscape to a limited extent (AO1). At the top of this level candidates demonstrate some synoptic understanding of the chosen area of investigation, some evidence of research skills and some limited application of media concepts, contexts or critical debates, with some reference to secondary text(s). The link between the investigation and the production is reasonably clear.
Level 0 (0 marks)	No relevant/appropriate/suitable response.